Flying-Panel Metate in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2018

Flying-Panel Metate

Date: A.D. 400–800

Geography: Costa Rica

Culture: Central Region

Medium: Volcanic stone

Dimensions: H. 18 × W. 31 3/4 × D. 32 7/8 in. (45.7 × 80.6 × 83.5 cm)

Classification: Stone-Furniture

Credit Line: Colección Museo Nacional de Costa Rica/CCSS, San José (73.981)


Artists transformed relatively common materials such as volcanic stone into luxury objects. Each leg of this metate (a grinding stone possibly used as a ceremonial stool) features stylized vultures with trophy heads. Below, a feline—perhaps a jaguar or puma—bares its teeth and grasps one leg of the stool while its tail connects to the metate’s surface. A creature with the snout and fangs of a crocodile and the upright stance of a human is on the feline’s back.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/722317